James Beyda

James Beyda, a life long resident of Wallington, entered eternal life on Wednesday, August 5th, 2020, he was 94. James was born in Wallington on October 9th, 1925, to Michael and Elizabeth (Hreno) Beyda. In 1943 he entered the United States Army and served in the Army Air Corp as an Aerial Gunner. His missions included air support and missions over the Ardennes; South of France; Rhineland; Normandy and North France. On his 13th mission his plane was shot down, and he was captured by the German Army and taken to a Stalag Luft Camp, where he was held as a POW for a year. He earned the European African Middle Eastern Ribbon with 5 Bronze Stars; Purple Heart; Air Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, as well as other medals and citations. After returning from the war, he was married to his beloved wife Mary (Kochan) of 50 years until her passing in 2002. James had worked for Vibra Screw in Totowa as a purchasing agent for many years, prior to his retirement in 1987. However he needed to keep busy so he started working for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority as a Garden State Parkway Senior Toll Collector, officially retiring in 2006. He was a member of the VFW Pavlick - Koster Post No 2640, Wallington, and a nearly 50 year member of the Wallington Lions Club. James enjoyed spending time with his family. After he was predeceased by his wife Mary, and predeceased by his son James Mark Beyda, he devoted his free time to his daughter Judy Beyda. Together they would travel, and often enjoy trips to Atlantic City. Judy's friends would invite, "Mr. Beyda" to many of their parties and events, as he became one of the gang, and extremely young at heart. James is survived by his cherished daughter Judy Beyda, and his dear companion "Henlei" the pup. James was also predeceased by his brother Michael Beyda. A graveside service and military honors will be held 10AM, Saturday, August 8th, 2020 at St. Michael's Cemetery, 120 Saddle River Road, South Hackensack, New Jersey 07057. www.WarnerAndWozniak.com